Climate action for children
The climate crisis is a child rights crisis. Now is the time for #ClimateAction.
Children are uniquely vulnerable to pollution, deadly diseases and extreme weather. The climate crisis is already impacting their bodies, minds and communities. It is not just changing the planet, it’s changing children.
Every child is already exposed to climate hazards.
1 billion children face extreme risks to their ability to survive, grow and thrive.
The world is not doing enough to protect children. We have the power and responsibility to create a liveable future for children.
The time for urgent action for children is now.
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What needs to happen
How UNICEF is responding
Get involved
Research, publications and data
Take the climate quiz
What needs to happen
The climate crisis is a child's right crisis. Children’s needs, perspectives and rights must be considered in climate policy, action and investment at all levels.
UNICEF is calling on governments and partners to act.
- Protect the lives, health and well-being of children and the resilience of their communities by adapting essential social services to a changing climate, more frequent disasters and degrading environment.
- Empower every child through their life course with the developmental opportunities, education and skills to be a champion for the environment.
- Reduce emissions and fulfil ambitious international sustainability and climate change agreements.
>> Read the call to action on extreme heat from UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
How UNICEF is responding
UNICEF is working to protect all children from the effects of climate change and to put the rights of every child at the center of climate action.
We are on the ground with partners deploying innovative climate adaptation solutions. We are empowering and amplifying the voices of children and young people in all climate conversations. And, we are working with governments to address the impacts of climate change on children.
Explore our impact, campaigns and stories
Get involved
To address the climate crisis, everyone needs to understand why it is happening and what can be done to defend against its impacts, specifically for children.
Build your climate change knowledge and share what you learn with others – your children, family, friends or colleagues.
Start here: Learn how climate change impacts children and families.
- Explainer: Heatwaves and how they impact children
- Video: 3 ways climate change threatens children's lives
- Explainer: What is air pollution and how to protect your family
- Facts: 10 things you didn't know about water
Young people: Your ideas, experiences and voice are essential in climate action.
- Access the Toolkit for climate activists
- Join the U-Report Community
- Hear from your peers: Youth climate activists inspire hope
- Youth in action: Facing the floods: UNICEF Young Reporters lead resilience efforts in South Sudan
Parents: You have the power to prepare your family for a climate-changed world.
- Tips: Climate action starts at home
- Talk to your children about climate change
- Learn how to care for your children in a climate emergency
Partner with us: Are you ready to shape the future of climate? Come join us.
Every child deserves to grow up in a healthy and loving environment. You can help us make a difference for children around the world.
Research, publications and data
Did you know that the world has already warmed by approximately 1.1C since the 19th century? The years 2015–2021 were the warmest on record.
The world’s children are now more than ever vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate hazards. With 4.2 billion children expected to be born over the next 30 years, there is an urgent need for action.
To understand the impact of the changing climate on children's health and well-being:
- Dig deeper into UNICEF's climate change data.
- Mine our extensive research and insights on climate change.
